Bat with composite handle

ABSTRACT

A bat has an elongate tubular striking member of a first material, and an elongate handle member of a second material. The handle may be of composite material laid up in selected layers and orientation to produce selected weight distribution, strength, and stiffness and improved batting capabilities. The striking member and handle member may have juncture sections which are substantially rigidly interconnected through mating configurations.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a ball bat, and more particularly to aball bat with a striking barrel member made to provide desired strikingcapabilities, and a handle member made to provide desired swingingcapabilities, and a method for manufacturing such which produces a rigidinterconnection between the barrel and handle members.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Tubular metallic baseball bats are well known in the art. Afamiliar example is a tubular aluminum bat. Such bats have the advantageof a generally good impact response, meaning that the bat effectivelytransfers power to a batted ball. This effective power transfer resultsin ball players achieving good distances with batted balls. Anadditional advantage is improved durability over crack-prone woodenbats.

[0003] Even though presently known bats perform well, there is acontinuing quest for bats with better hitting capabilities. Accordingly,one important need is to optimize the impact response of a bat. Further,it is important to provide a bat with proper weighting so that its swingweight is apportioned to provide an appropriate center of gravity andgood swing speed of impact components during use.

[0004] Generally speaking, bat performance may be a function of theweight of the bat, distribution of the weight, the size of the hittingarea, the effectiveness of force transfer between the handle and thestriking barrel, and the impact response of the bat. The durability of abat relates, at least in part, to its ability to resist denting orcracking and depends on the strength and stiffness of the strikingportion of the bat. An attempt to increase the durability of the batoften produces an adverse effect on the bat's performance, as bypossibly increasing its overall weight and stiffness, or having lessthan optimum weight distribution.

[0005] It has been discovered that a hitter often can increase bat speedby using a lighter bat, thereby increasing the force transferred to theball upon impact. Thus it would be advantageous to provide a bat havinga striking portion which has sufficient durability to withstand repeatedhitting, yet which has a reduced overall bat weight to permit increasedbat speed through use of an overall lighter weight bat.

[0006] It also has been discovered that greater hitting, or slugging,capability may be obtained by providing a bat with a handle made of amaterial different from the material of the striking portion or formedin such a manner as to have different capabilities. One manner forproviding such is to produce a bat with a composite handle, wherein thecomposite material may be structured to provide selected degrees offlexibility, stiffness, and strength. For example, in one hittingsituation it may be best to have a bat with a more flexible handle,whereas for other hitting situations it is advantageous to have a handlewith greater stiffness.

[0007] An example of a prior attempt to provide a bat with a handleconnected to a barrel section is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,158entitled “Shock Attenuating Ball Bat.” In this patent an attempt wasmade to produce a bat with handle and barrel member separated by anelastomeric isolation union for reducing shock (energy) transmissionfrom the barrel to the handle, and, inherently from the handle to thebarrel. Accordingly, such a design does not allow for maximum energytransfer from the handle to the barrel during hitting. As a result, thebat produces less energy transfer or impact energy to the ball due tothe elastomeric interconnection between the handle and barrel.

[0008] Therefore there is a continuing need for a bat that provides theflexibility of a separate handle member and striking member andmaximizes the energy transfer between the two members.

[0009] The present invention provides an improved bat with a strikingportion with good durability and striking capabilities and a handleportion with desirable weight and stiffness characteristics to permitgreater bat speed during hitting.

[0010] One embodiment of the invention provides a bat having an elongatetubular striking member with a juncture section which converges inwardlytoward the longitudinal axis of the bat on progressing toward an end ofthe striking member, and an elongate handle member having an end portionthereof which is firmly joined to the converging end portion of thestriking member to provide a rigid interconnection therebetween topermit substantially complete striking energy transfer between thehandle member and the striking member.

[0011] In another embodiment, the bat has an elongate tubular strikingmember having a juncture section adjacent its proximal end, the strikingmember being composed of metal having a first effective mass, and anelongate handle member composed of a material having a second effectivemass which is less than the first effective mass of the striking member,the handle member having a juncture section adjacent its distal end,with the juncture sections of the striking member and handle memberoverlapping and being joined together to provide a rigid interconnectiontherebetween to permit substantially complete striking energy transferbetween the striking member and the handle member on hitting. Becausethe handle member is of a lower effective mass it will help to produce alighter weight bat with the possibility of a greater swing speed.

[0012] The present invention provides a novel bat and method forproducing the same wherein the striking portion is comprised of the mostappropriate, or optimum, structure for striking and the handle iscomprised of the most appropriate, or optimum, structure for swinging,and the two are joined for optimum slugging capability.

[0013] The present invention provides a bat, and method for making abat, wherein selected materials are used in selected portions of the batto achieve proper weight, or mass, distribution for optimum swing speedand to provide desired strength and stiffness of selected portions.

[0014] The present invention contemplates producing a handle member withmultiple composite layers which are appropriately oriented and joined toprovide a handle which has selected strength and stiffness. By providinga bat with a handle member made of composite material which may be laidup in multiple layers with selected orientation and strength, the handlemember may be structured to provide selected degrees of strength,flexibility, and vibration transfer in an assembled bat.

[0015] In one embodiment, one of the juncture sections of the strikingmember or the juncture section of the handle member has projectionsthereon which extend radially from remainder portions of the juncturesection a distance substantially equal to the thickness of a desiredlayer of adhesive to join the striking member and handle member. Suchprojections firmly engage the facing surface of the other member andthis, in conjunction with the adhesive applied between the two members,provides a firm interconnection therebetween.

[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a method forproducing an improved bat having characteristics as set out above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a sectional view through the longitudinal center of abat in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a magnified sectional view of a juncture section of thebat of FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken generally along the line3-3 in FIG. 2.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a view taken generally along the line 4-4 in FIG. 2,with a portion of the striking member broken away.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but with a different ribconfiguration.

[0022]FIG. 6 is a magnified sectional view of a portion of the handletaken generally along the line 6-6 in FIG. 2.

[0023] FIGS. 7-9 are perspective views of a flared end portion of thehandle with forming members associated therewith during the productionof the handle member to produce projecting ribs on the juncture sectionof the handle.

[0024]FIG. 10 is an enlarged longitudinal cross section of a handlemember as may be used in the bat of FIG. 1, with portions broken away toillustrate composite lay up of the handle member with multiple compositematerial layers disposed at various regions along the length of thehandle and with some sections of the handle having more layers thanothers and being composed of different materials to obtain selectedhandle member mass, strength and stiffness characteristics.

[0025]FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a test fixture for testing thebending strength of a handle member with an exemplary handle membermounted therein for testing.

[0026]FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a test fixture for testing thebending strength of a full length assembled bat with an exemplary handlemember mounted therein for testing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, an elongate tubular ball bat 10 having alongitudinal axis, or centerline, 20 comprises an elongate tubularstriking member 12. The striking member has a proximal, or inner, end 12a and a distal, or outer, end 12 b. A striking region 14 is disposedintermediate ends 12 a, 12 b. A frusto-conical juncture section 16 ofthe striking member adjacent end 12 a converges toward centerline 20 onprogressing toward end 12 a.

[0028] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 striking region 14has a substantially cylindrical inner cavity, with an inner diameter D₁.A cylindrical tubular insert 22 is received in the striking regioncavity to form a multiple-wall bat. The insert has proximal, or inner,and distal, or outer, ends 22 a, 22 b, respectively. End 22 a isdisposed adjacent juncture section 16. The bat also could be made as asingle-wall bat without insert 22.

[0029] Juncture section 16 has a major diameter equal to D₁ and a minordiameter noted D₂ at its end 12 a.

[0030] An elongate tubular handle member 30 is secured to and projectslongitudinally outwardly from end 12 a and juncture section 16 of thestriking member.

[0031] The assembled bat 10 has an overall length L₁. Striking member 12has a length L₂ and handle member 30 has a length L₃. As seen lengths L₂and L₃ are each substantially less than L₁.

[0032] The handle member 30 in the illustrated embodiment may be made ofa composite material or other appropriate material as will be discussedin greater detail below. It has opposed distal, or outer, end 30 a, andproximal, or inner, end 30 b. The handle member has an elongate, hollow,tubular, substantially cylindrical gripping portion 32 of a diameter D₃throughout a major portion of its length, and a frusto-conical juncturesection 34 adjacent end 30 a. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, juncturesection 34 diverges outwardly from the longitudinal axis in aconfiguration complementary to the converging portion of juncturesection 16 of the striking member. Juncture section 34 has a minordiameter D₃ (less than D₂), a major diameter D₄ (greater than D₂, butless than D₁), and a length which is no greater than 25% of the overalllength L₁ of the assembled bat.

[0033] End 12 a of striking member 12 provides an opening with adiameter D₂ greater than diameter D₃ of gripping portion 32 of handlemember 30. The diverging portion of juncture section 34 of the handlemember is such that the outer surface of juncture section 34 issubstantially complementary to the configuration of the inner surface ofjuncture section 16 of the striking member so that they may fit in closecontact with each other when assembled as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be seen that juncture section34 of the handle member in the illustrated embodiment has a plurality ofelongate, radially extending ribs, or projections, 40 on its outersurface. These ribs extend substantially longitudinally of the handlemember, and are spaced apart circumferentially substantially equallyabout juncture section 34, or at approximately 120° from each other asillustrated.

[0035] Projections, or ribs, 40 extend outwardly from remainder portionsof the juncture section of the handle member a distance substantiallyequal to the thickness of a layer of adhesive which it is desired toapply between juncture section 16 of the striking member and juncturesection 34 of the handle member to secure these two members together toform the completed bat. It has been found desirable to apply a layer ofadhesive between the juncture sections of the handle member and thestriking member which is in a range of 0.001 to 0.010 inch thick, andpreferably within a range of 0.002 to 0.005 inch thick. Thus ribs 40project outwardly from remainder portions of juncture section 34 adistance in a range of 0.001 to 0.010 inch and more preferably in arange of 0.002 to 0.005 inch.

[0036] When assembled as illustrated in the drawings, the outer surfacesof projections 40 firmly engage the inner surface of juncture section 16of the striking member, with a layer of adhesive filling the spacebetween the circumferentially spaced ribs, or projections, to adhesivelyjoin the striking member to the handle member in this juncture section.A layer of such adhesive is indicated generally at 42.

[0037] Although projections 40 are shown as formed on the handle, itshould be recognized that projections formed on the inner surface of thejuncture section of the striking member and extending radially inwardlyfrom remainder portions of the striking member could be used also.

[0038]FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which theribs 40 are substantially straight, and extend longitudinally of thehandle member. FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment in which the ribs46 are curved, such that they extend somewhat helically about the outersurface of juncture section 34. They function similarly to ribs 40.

[0039] Although the projections, which may be formed on the externalsurface of the juncture section of the handle or on the internal surfaceof the juncture section of the striking member, have been illustratedand described generally as elongate ribs, it should be recognized thatthe purpose of such projections is to provide a firm contactingengagement between the juncture section portions of the handle memberand striking member to produce a substantially rigid interconnectiontherebetween. Thus, the projections do not necessarily have to beelongate ribs as illustrated. Instead, there could be a plurality ofprojections of substantially any shape extending outwardly fromremainder portions of the juncture section of the handle member orprojecting inwardly from the inner surface of the juncture section ofthe striking member, or any combination thereof, such that firminterengagement is provided between the striking member and the handlemember. For example the projections may be a pebbled surfaceconfiguration, crisscrossed ribs, irregularly shaped ribs, or any otherconfiguration that provides a plurality of raised surfaces for directcontact with the other member to provide a substantially rigidinterconnection between the handle member and the striking member.

[0040] The complementary converging and diverging configurations of thejuncture sections of the striking member and handle member prevent thetwo parts from being pulled apart longitudinally in opposite directions,such as by pulling outwardly on opposite ends of the bat. The adhesiveis provided to inhibit longitudinal movement of the handle member andstriking member upon application of forces thereagainst such as mightoccur if forces were exerted at opposite ends of the bat in an attemptto compress them toward each other.

[0041] Although adhesive has been noted as a means for securing the twomembers against relative longitudinal movement in the one direction, itshould be recognized that other means could be used also. For example,mechanical locking means of various types could be employed. Althoughnot shown herein, the striking member or handle member could be formedwith a radially projecting lip which engages a portion on the othermember when the parts are moved into the positions illustrated in FIGS.1-4 to prevent longitudinal separation of the members.

[0042] Further, although it has been mentioned that adhesive can fillthe spaces between the projections, it is not necessary that the spacesbetween the projections always be filled, and a less than fillingquantity of adhesive may be adequate.

[0043] When assembled as illustrated in the drawings, juncture section34 of the handle member fits tightly within juncture section 16 of thestriking member and a layer of adhesive interposed therebetween rigidlyinterconnects the striking member and handle member.

[0044] The fully assembled bat as shown in FIG. 1 includes a knob 48secured to the proximal end 30 b of the handle member and a plug 50inserted in and closing the distal end 12 b of the striking member.Referring to FIG. 1, a weighted member, or plug, 54 is inserted andsecured in the proximal end portion of handle member 30. The structureand function of member 54 will be described in greater detail below.

[0045] A generally cylindrical transition sleeve 52 having a somewhatwedge-shaped cross section as illustrated in FIG. 2 is secured to handlemember 30 to abut end 12 a of the striking member to produce a smoothtransition between end 12 a of the striking member and the outer surfaceof handle member 30. Rather than applying a transition sleeve 52, theproximal end 12 a of juncture section 16 of the striking member may beswaged to a gradually thinner edge region with a rounded proximal edge.

[0046] Describing a method by which the bat illustrated in the figuresmay be produced, striking member 14 is formed of a material and in amanner to provide desired impact, or striking capabilities. The strikingmember may be formed by swaging from aluminum tube (or other metal foundappropriate for the striking region of a bat) to yield an integralweld-free member. While swaging is one means of producing such strikingmember, it should be understood that other methods of manufacturingmight work equally as well.

[0047] The striking member is formed with a circular cross sectionhaving a striking region which has a cylindrical interior surfacedefining an interior cavity of a first selected cross sectionaldimension, or diameter, D₁. This produces a striking member having afirst effective mass. The effective mass may be a function of thespecific gravity of the material, size, thickness, or othercharacteristics.

[0048] The juncture section 16 converges inwardly toward longitudinalaxis 20 to an opening at end 12 a having an internal diameter indicatedD₂ which is less than D₁.

[0049] Insert 22 has an outer diameter corresponding generally to, butpossibly slightly smaller than, D₁ such that it may be inserted into thestriking portion 14 of striking member 12. Its proximal, or inner, end22 a may engage the beginning of the inward converging portion ofjuncture section 16 which prevents the insert from shifting furthertoward end 12 a of the striking member. End 12 b of the striking member12 is bent over to form a circular lip with a bore extendingtherethrough. An end plug 50 is placed in the end of the bat to engageend 22 b of the insert to hold it in place.

[0050] The striking member 12 may be formed of tubular metal material ofa first specific gravity, which may be, but is not limited to, aluminum,steel, titanium, or other suitable metal material. The striking memberalso might be formed of composite or other suitable materials. Insert 22also may be made of any such tubular metal or a composite. The insertserves a function as set out in prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,415,398 and6,251,034. Since the striking member is formed separately from thehandle member, the striking member may be formed in such a manner andfrom such materials as to produce the desired, or optimum, impact, orstriking capabilities. Thus the requirements of the striking member andhandle member are decoupled permitting each to be made of such materialsand in such a manner as to provide optimum point location of mass in thebat and optimum strength and stiffness or flexibility where needed.

[0051] The handle member may be formed from material which produces adifferent, and generally a lower, effective mass than it would have ifcomposed in a manner or of a material similar to that from which thestriking member is formed. The different effective mass of the handlemember may be a function of the specific gravity of the material formingthe striking member, its size, thickness or other characteristics. Forexample the material of the handle member may have a different specificgravity than the material from which the striking member is formed.

[0052] In some instances the handle member may be formed of a compositematerial, such as carbon fiber, having a second specific gravity lessthan the first specific gravity of the striking member. In otherinstances the handle member may be formed of materials or in such amanner as to provide one or more operational or functionalcharacteristics which differ from those which the handle member wouldhave if merely formed in the same manner of the same material as thestriking member. For example the handle may be formed from othermaterials such as titanium, aluminum, plastic or other appropriatematerial.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 6, in a one embodiment the handle memberincludes multiple tubular composite layers as indicated generally at60-66. The layers 60-66 are disposed adjacent each other and arearranged in a substantially concentric manner. The number of layers mustbe sufficient to withstand the swinging action of the bat, a grippingforce applied thereto by a user, and the bending force imposed thereonwhen striking with the bat. However, preferably only the number oflayers necessary to withstand such stresses would be provided, sincemore layers will add additional weight to the handle member. The number,position, and orientation of the multiple layers will vary dependingupon the size and type of bat used. In one embodiment, the handle membermay include the seven layers, 60-66, as shown. The number and thicknessof layers and their position, and orientation may vary as needed toprovide desired flexibility or stiffness and to withstand grippingforces and hitting stresses.

[0054] Each composite layer in the embodiment illustrated includesstructural material to provide structural stability and matrix materialto support the structural material. The structural material may be aseries of fibers supported within the matrix material. Most of thelayers include fibers that preferably extend substantiallylongitudinally of the handle member. When the bat strikes a ball, thegreatest stress component on the handle member may be in bending, thusthe majority of the fibers preferably are directed longitudinally towithstand these stresses. For example, the even numbered layers 60, 62,64, 66 may be longitudinally extending layers, whereas odd numberedlayers 61, 63, 65, which are fewer in number, may be circumferentiallydisposed layers. The longitudinally extending layers often are referredto as longitudinal, or 0° layers, since they have fibers that aredirected substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The otherlayers may be what are termed 90° layers, or circumferential layers,since they have fibers, in which the majority thereof are directed atsubstantially 90° relative to the longitudinal axis. Specific layers maybe constructed with fibers directed at substantially 90° relative to thelongitudinal axis and other fibers directed at substantially 0° andwoven together within each layer. Or the layers may be uni-directionallayers wherein the fibers within the layers are parallel.

[0055] In this embodiment, the layers include carbon fibers. However thefibers could be other type of known fiber material, such as, but notlimited to, Kevlar™, boron, or fiberglass. A metallic mesh also might beused.

[0056] The matrix in the layers preferably is sufficiently durable andhas sufficiently high adhesion properties to continue supporting thestructural material even after repeated use. In a preferred embodiment,the matrix material is a toughened epoxy. Alternatively, the matrix canbe some other thermally setting resin such as a polyester or vinylester. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a thermoplasticresin can be used, rather than a thermally setting resin.

[0057] In particularly preferred embodiments, the handle member 30 has aweight of about 158 grams and is formed with the number of layersbetween 28 to 40, wherein the weight of each layer varies from 0.6 to14.0 grams. At least one layer of such embodiments is a braided layerhaving a percentage of the fibers within the braided layer extendinglongitudinally and the remaining fibers of the braided layer extendingsubstantially circumferentially. Also, from 1 to 4 layers are formedwith non-woven or non-braided fibers extending in two separatedirections, such as, for example, 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0058] Additionally, in particularly preferred embodiments, the handlemember 30 includes between 2 and 10 layers having longitudinallyextending fibers. In particularly preferred embodiments, the handlemember 30 includes a plurality of layers having helically extendingfibers at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis, such as, forexample, between 10 and 16 layers extend at plus or minus 30 degreesfrom the longitudinal axis, between 6 and 16 layers extend at plus orminus 45 degrees from the longitudinal axis, and 2 or less layers extendat plus or minus 60 degrees from the longitudinal axis.

[0059] Also, in particularly preferred embodiments, between 3 and 24layers are formed of carbon fibers and between 13 and 25 layers areformed of fiberglass fibers. The layers are formed in a variety ofdifferent lengths varying from 5 cm to 67 cm. The layers, which are lessthan 67 cm, are placed at varying positions along the full length of thehandle member. The layers are also formed in a variety of differentwidths ranging between 3.3 and 17.5 cm. Other layers have widths thatvary along their length from between 0 to 17.5 cm. The number of layershaving widths that vary along their length range between 8 and 11layers. The fibers within layers are formed with an area fiber densityof between 0.0143 and 0.048 grams/cm², and each layer can be formed witha weight in a range of 0.6 to 14 grams.

[0060] In alternative preferred embodiments, one or more of thecharacteristics of the handle member can be altered, such as, forexample: the weight, size, thickness and stiffness of the handle member;the number, size, composition and orientation of the layers; and thecomposition, density, and orientation of the fibers within a layer. Thehandle member preferably has a weight within a range of 3 to 8 ounces.The handle member 30 can be formed without a braided layer or with analternate number of braided layers. The handle member 30 can be formedwith five or more layers of fibers wherein the non-woven fibers extendin two directions or with no such layers. Two or more of the layers caninclude other combinations of longitudinally, circumferentially andhelically extending fibers. The handle member can be formed of multiplelayers having helically extending fibers wherein any one layer can havefibers extending between plus or minus 1 to 89 degrees from thelongitudinal axis. The fibers within the layers can be formed of othermaterials, such as, for example, glass, boron, graphite or other metal.

[0061]FIG. 10 is a simplified illustration of the manner in whichmultiple layers of fiber composite material may be assembled. As isshown some of the layers extend the full length of the handle (layers 90a, b, c, d), while others are shorter and reside in selected regions ofthe handle member (90 e, f, g, h, i, j, k). Only a limited number oflayers are shown in FIG. 10, for the sake of simplicity in theillustration.

[0062] The handle member includes a proximal gripping portion and adistal tapered portion, wherein one of the proximal gripping portion andthe distal tapered portion is formed with a larger number of layers thanthe remaining portion. The characteristics of the handle membertherefore can vary over its length.

[0063] The handle member 30, when formed of a composite material andproduced in accordance with the present invention, can be produced witha stiffness, or resistance to bending along the longitudinal axis 20 ofthe bat 10, within the range of 200 to 1980 lbs/in. Preferably, thehandle member 30 is formed with a stiffness or resistance to bendingwithin the range of 400-900 lbs/in. (The term “lbs/in.” refers to theamount of force in pounds applied perpendicular to the member to produceon inch of deflection in a test method described below.)

[0064] Referring to FIG. 11, the stiffness of the handle member 30 isdetermined through a three-point bend stiffness test wherein the handlemember is placed upon first and second supports 90 and 92 of a universaltest machine, or similar test machine, such as the universal testmachine produced by Tinius Olsen Testing Machine Co., Inc. of WillowGrove, Pennsylvania. The first support 90 is a V-block supportpositioned at the distal end 30 a of the handle member 30. The V-blocksupport configuration of the first support 90 also serves to inhibitboth longitudinal and transverse movement of the distal end 30 a of thehandle member 30. The second support 92 is a roller support including aroller 94 rotatable about a horizontal axis 96 spaced from V-blocksupport 90 and positioned near the proximal end 30 b of the handlemember 30. For handle members 30 greater than or equal to 19 inches, thesecond support 92 is positioned a distance D₆ of 19 inches from support90. The second support 92 also supports the handle member 30 in a firstdirection, preferably by maintaining the proximal end such that thelongitudinal axis 20 of the bat 10 is in a horizontal position. Thesecond support 92 enables the proximal end 30 b to move longitudinally.

[0065] The third point of the bend stiffness test is provided by acrosshead 100 having a semi-circular shape. Preferably the semi-circularcrosshead has a radius of 2.0 inches. The crosshead is configured toextend in a second direction opposite of the first direction. Thecrosshead may be moved downwardly onto the horizontally positionedhandle member 30 with a force noted F₁ imposed thereon. The crosshead isconnected to a load cell (not shown) which includes a strain gauge formeasuring the load applied to the crosshead during displacement of thecrosshead. The crosshead 100 is positioned a distance D₇ from the firstsupport 90. Distance D₇ is in a range of 30% to 40% of distance D₆, andmore preferably 7 inches, such that the semicircular crosshead contactsthe handle member at a location approximately 7.0 inches from the distalend 30 a of the handle member 30.

[0066] During testing, the handle member is positioned as describedabove. The crosshead is driven in the second direction at a speed of 1.0inches per minute. As the crosshead moves in the second direction (i.e.,downwardly in FIG. 12) the testing machine with input from the load cellcalculates the load (F₁) per the lateral deflection, or displacement, ofthe handle member 30.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 12, the three-point bend stiffness test alsocan be performed on an assembled bat. When testing a bat the firstsupport 92 is positioned such that a proximal side of the first supportlies a distance D₈, which may be approximately 6 inches, from the distalend 12 b of the striking member 12, and the second support 92 ispositioned a distance D₉, which may be approximately 6 inches, from theproximal end 30 b of the handle member 30. The distance between supports90, 92 is noted at D₁₀ and the cross head is positioned a distance D₁₀from support 92 which is approximately one half D₁₀ so as to contact thebat at a point between and equi-distant from the first and secondsupports.

[0068] During testing, the bat 10 is positioned as described above. Thecrosshead is driven in the second direction (downwardly in FIG. 12) at aspeed of 0.5 inches per minute. As the crosshead moves in the seconddirection, the testing machine with input from the load cell calculatesthe load per displacement of the bat.

[0069] The bat 10 of the present invention can be formed such that thestiffness of the bat 10 is within the range of 400 to 2500 lbs/in. Inparticularly preferred embodiments, the bat 10 is formed with astiffness, or resistance to bending, within the range of 500 to 1500lbs/in, and more preferably in a range of 400-900 lbs/in. A conventionalaluminum bat typically has a stiffness, or resistance to bending, ofapproximately 2200 to 2500 lbs/in.

[0070] The present invention enables the bat to be produced withsignificantly less stiffness and greater flexibility without negativelyaffecting the batting performance of the bat. The present inventionenables one of ordinary skill in the art to vary the composition of thebat to produce a bat that is optimally configured, adjusted or tuned tomeet the needs of a particular player. The present invention enables oneof ordinary skill in the art to produce a bat that optimizes flexibilityand, through the direct connection between the handle member and thestriking member, maximizes energy transfer between the handle andstriking members, and the power output of the bat.

[0071] It should be noted that examples set out herein are onlyexemplary in nature, and should not be considered limiting as to thestructure and method of manufacture of bats according to the invention.For example, although the bat has been described with a metal strikingmember and a composite handle member, such a wide difference inmaterials for the two members may not be necessary. For example, thestriking member and the handle member both may be made of compositematerial, but with constructions which provide varying operational orfunctional characteristics beneficial for the specific portion of thebat which they form.

[0072] In constructing the bat of the illustrated embodiment thestriking member 12 may be formed as set out above. End 12 b initiallyremains cylindrical, without the bent over portion as illustrated inFIG. 1.

[0073] The tubular handle member may be formed by wrapping sheets ofpreimpregnated composite material on a mandrel. A first layer is wrappedon the mandrel, followed by a second layer, etc., until the desirednumber of layers have been wrapped on the mandrel in the desiredpositions and orientations to form the tubular handle member. Themandrel has a configuration which produces both the elongatesubstantially cylindrical gripping portion 32 and the divergingfrusto-conical juncture section 34.

[0074] To form projecting ribs 40, and referring to FIGS. 7-9, after asufficient number of layers of preimpregnated composite material havebeen wrapped onto the mandrel, a plurality of forming members indicatedgenerally at 70, 72, 74 having a selected arcuate configuration areplaced on the outside of the juncture section of the handle member whilethe composite material is still malleable. FIG. 7 shows members 70, 72,74 prior to placement on the outside of the juncture section 34 and theplacement of such is illustrated in dashed outline in FIG. 7. As is seenmembers 70, 72, 74 do not extend fully about the juncture section whenplaced thereon, but instead have gaps therebetween.

[0075] Members 70, 72, 74 have a thickness substantially equal to thedesired projection for ribs 40 and the space between adjacent edges ofelements 70, 72, 74 is the desired width of ribs 40.

[0076] As mentioned previously the projections may be in forms otherthan elongate ribs and other molding or forming members may be providedto achieve the desired projection configurations.

[0077] When the forming members are placed against the juncture sectionas noted, the tubular member then may be wrapped in shrink tape andplaced in an oven between 250 and 300° F. for about 45 minutes to onehour. The shrink tape preferably is temperature resistant and has highshrinkage and compaction capability when heated. As the shrink tapecontracts it presses the composite layers into a desired configurationabout the forming mandrel and presses members 70, 72, 74 into thecomposite material as seen in FIG. 8 to form depressions between areaswhich become projecting ribs 40. The depressions are indicated generallyat 76, 78, 80, respectively, having a depth equal to the thickness ofmembers 70, 72, 74. FIG. 9 illustrates the configuration thus producedwhen members 70, 72, 74 are removed.

[0078] Heating the handle member speeds the curing process, but it maybe allowed to cure at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.For example, the handle member may be allowed to cure at roomtemperature for several days. The pressure applied by the shrink tapemay range from 15 to 150 psi depending both on the type of the shrinktape used and the flow properties of the matrix material used.Alternately, some other known apparatus may be used to pressurize thehandle member during curing, such as a bladder or a vacuum bag.

[0079] The handle member (or striking member if chosen to do so) alsomay be formed of a chopped fiber slurry. The chopped fibers can becarbon, glass, fiberglass, boron, or various metals.

[0080] Although not illustrated in the figures, it should be recognizedthat other methods may be used for forming the handle and providing adesired series of projections thereon. One method of doing so is to wrapsheets of pre-impregnated composite material onto a mandrel aspreviously described to form the general configuration for the handlewith its cylindrical gripping portion and flared frusto-conical juncturesection. The materials wrapped on the mandrel then may be placed in aclam shell style mold having the desired external configuration for thehandle, including forms to produce a selected pattern of projectionsthereon. After the clam shell mold has been placed about the exterior ofthe handle, the forming mandrel is removed, a pressure bladder isinserted where the mandrel previously had been, and pressure is appliedon the bladder to force the wrapped materials outwardly against themold. The materials then are allowed to cure and are removed from themold with the desired external configuration.

[0081] Although the handle member has been described using a pluralityof sheets of impregnated composite material, the layers may be formed bysome other method, such as a filament winding process. With a filamentwinding process, a continuous fiber, rather than a preimpregnated sheetas described above, is wrapped around a mandrel. The filament windingprocess may use a preimpregnated fiber. Alternately, the continuousfiber may run through a resin bath before it is wrapped onto themandrel. The filament winding process typically winds the fiber in ahelical path along the mandrel, making it difficult to produce a layerhaving fibers that are exactly 90 degrees relative to the longitudinalaxis of the layers. Thus the layers may include layers that are at anangle substantially 90 degrees, but not exactly at 90 degrees.

[0082] The handle member, being produced of composite material, permitsselective production to obtain a handle member of the desired weightwhile still obtaining the necessary strength and stiffness.

[0083] After the handle member has been formed it is inserted throughthe open end 12 b of striking member 12, such that gripping portion 32extends longitudinally outwardly from end 12 a of the striking member.Prior to inserting the handle member a layer of adhesive is appliedeither to the outer surface of juncture section 34 of the handle memberor the inner surface of juncture section 14 of the striking member. Thestriking member 12 and handle 30 are urged in opposite directions alongthe longitudinal axis, such that the juncture section 34 of the handlemember is forced into tight engagement with the interior surface ofjuncture section 16. As this occurs, the adhesive applied between theparts is pressed into recesses 76, 78, 80 and ribs 40, or otherprojections, firmly contact, or engage, the inner surface of juncturesection 16. Excess adhesive will be allowed to flow outwardly from end30 a of the handle member, with only the selected thickness of adhesiveremaining.

[0084] It has been found that an adhesive such as Scotch-Weldm™ DP-100epoxy adhesive or PT 1000 urethane adhesive from Willamette Valley Co.,of Eugene, Oreg., works well in this application. Other appropriateadhesives also may be used. In a preferred embodiment, projections 40extend outwardly from remainder portions of the outer surface of thejuncture section of the handle member in a range of 0.001 to 0.010 inch,and more preferably in a range of 0.002 to 0.005 inch and have a widthin a range of 0.125 to 0.75 inch and more preferably in a range of 0.2to 0.3 inch. The layer of adhesive will have a thickness generally equalto height of the projections and is allowed to cure and form asubstantially rigid, firm interconnection between the striking memberand the handle member. The substantially rigid interconnection betweenthe juncture sections of the striking member and handle member providedby the adhesive and direct engagement of the projections with the innersurface of the striking member permits substantially complete strikingenergy transfer between the handle member and the striking member.

[0085] After the handle member has been secured to the striking member,insert 22 is inserted into the striking member, the outer end 12 b isrolled over into the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, and stopmember 50 is inserted therein. Transition member 52 (when used) isattached to provide a smooth transition between the inner end 12 a ofthe striking member and handle 30.

[0086] Prior to, or following, assembly of the handle member andstriking member, weighted member, or plug, 54 is inserted and secured inthe proximal end portion of the handle member as shown in FIG. 1.

[0087] Weighted plug 54 is a generally cylindrical member coupled to theproximal end 30 b of the handle member 30. The weighted plug preferablyis sized to fit snugly within the proximal end 30 b of the handle member30 and preferably is affixed to the proximal end 30 b with a suitableadhesive. Alternative means for coupling the plug 54 to the proximal end30 b of the handle member 30 also are contemplated, such as, forexample, press-fit connections, fasteners, and other mechanical latchingmechanisms. The weighted plug 54 is formed of a relatively densematerial, preferably a metal. Alternatively, the weighted plug 54 can beformed of other materials, such as, for example, sand, a fluid or apolymeric material. The plug 54 is formed with a weight in the range of0.5 to 7.0 ounces, and preferably within a range of 2 to 5 ounces, and alength in the range of 1.0 to 4.0 inches.

[0088] The weighted plug 54 places additional weight, or mass, generallydirectly beneath the player's grip during swinging, thereby facilitatingthe player's ability to swing the bat and to increase his or her batspeed. The weighted plug 54 provides the player with a pivot point,which facilitates rotation of the bat about the mass or grip location ofthe player.

[0089] Additionally, the weighted plug 54 also serves to dampen, orsubstantially reduce, the shock, vibration and “sting” commonly felt bya player when hitting a ball, particularly when the ball is hit awayfrom a desired hitting region of the striking member, or the “sweetspot.” The weighted plug 54 serves as a vibration sink thatsubstantially lowers the amplitude of the vibrational energy generatedupon impact of the bat 10 with a ball at the location of the plug 54thereby reducing the vibration or shock felt by the player. In anotheralternative preferred embodiment, the plug 54 is integrally formed withthe knob 48.

[0090] The use of the weighted plug 54 is just one example of theadvantages achieved in the present invention from redistributing theweight, or mass, within the bat 10 through decoupling of the handlemember 30 and the striking member 12. When forming the handle member 30of a composite material, the weight of the handle member 30 can bereduced from that of a conventional metal handle member. This weight canthen be redistributed to other locations on the bat, such as at theproximal end of the handle member 30 to improve, or tune, theperformance of the bat 10. In the present invention, the weighted plug54 can be added to the bat 10 to enable the player to increase his orher bat speed, and to reduce the shock and vibration felt by the user,without excessively or unnecessarily increasing the weight of the bat10. In another alternative preferred embodiment, weight can beredistributed to the striking member 12.

[0091] The method described herein and the bat produced provide a batwhich has improved striking capabilities. Such improved strikingcapabilities are provided by the structural characteristics of the bat.In one instance increased bat swing speed is allowed by producing a batwith a handle which is lighter than would be the case if it were made ofthe same material or in a manner similar to the striking portion of thebat. This reduction in weight of the handle in relation to the strikingportion and providing a substantially rigid interconnection between thetwo permits increased bat speed and substantially complete strikingenergy transfer between the striking member and the handle member.Further it provides desirable weight distribution in the bat with thegreatest effective mass in the striking region and lower effective massin the handle.

[0092] It also has been found that the slugging, or hitting,characteristics of the bat may be varied by mating various compositehandle members with striking members of different materials orconfigurations, with a substantially rigid interconnection therebetween.Thus different models of bats may be produced, tuned to selectedrequirements.

[0093] By providing a bat constructed with an independently producedstriking member and handle member which are rigidly interconnected at ajuncture region, bats may be made with numerous selected functionalcharacteristics. The striking member may be made of materials whichprovide optimum ball striking effectiveness, while the handle member maybe constructed in such a fashion that is allows the batter to impart themaximum possible force from the batter's hands to the bat and to producethe greatest swing speed. The handle member may be laid up from avariety of composite materials with selected thicknesses, orientations,and positions within the handle member to produce desired strength,weight, stiffness, etc., in the overall handle or even within selectedregions of the handle.

[0094] Explaining further, selected regions of the handle may have agreater or lesser number of layers of composite material than otherregions, the thicknesses or structural materials within the layers mayvary at different regions of the handle member, and othercharacteristics may be varied through selected lay up of materials inthe handle member during production.

[0095] As an example of desirable differences in handle members whichmay be formed, it has been found that certain bats, such as for softballuse, will work better with a stiffer handle member, whereas for baseballa more flexible, or less stiff, handle member is preferable.

[0096] With the structure and method for producing such set out herein,a bat may be optimized for the selected usage by selection of materialsand lay up for the various components of the bat.

[0097] While there have been illustrated and described preferredembodiments of the present invention, it should be appreciated thatnumerous changes and modifications may occur to those skilled in the artand it is intended in the appended claims to cover all of those changesand modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An elongate bat having a longitudinal axis and anoverall first length comprising an elongate tubular striking membershorter than said first length having a distal end, a proximal end, astriking region intermediate said distal and proximal ends, and ajuncture section adjacent said proximal end converging toward said axison progressing toward said proximal end, said striking member having afirst effective mass, and an elongate handle member shorter than saidfirst length composed of a material having a second effective mass whichis different from said first effective mass, said handle member having adistal end and a proximal end and being firmly joined adjacent itsdistal end to the proximal end of said striking member to provide arigid interconnection therebetween to permit substantially completestriking energy transfer between said handle member and said strikingmember.
 2. The bat of claim 1, wherein the effective mass of the handlemember is less than the effective mass of the striking member.
 3. Thebat of claim 1, wherein said juncture section has a length no greaterthan 25% of said first length.
 4. The bat of claim 1, wherein saidhandle member has a juncture section adjacent its distal end whichdiverges from said axis on progressing toward said distal end, with aconfiguration substantially complementary to the converging portion ofthe juncture section of the striking member, and portions of saidjuncture sections of said handle member and striking member rest inmating contact.
 5. The bat of claim 4, wherein said juncture sections ofsaid striking member and handle member are substantially frusto-conical,each having a major diameter section and a minor diameter portion, withthe major diameter portion of the juncture section of the handle memberbeing greater than a minor diameter portion of the juncture section ofthe striking member.
 6. The bat of claim 5, wherein said striking regionof said striking member has a first diameter, said handle member has agripping portion positioned toward its proximal end from its juncturesection, the gripping portion having a second diameter which is lessthan said first diameter, with said juncture section of said handlemember captured in said juncture section of said striking member.
 7. Thebat of claim 5, which further comprises adhesive material interposedbetween said juncture sections whereby said juncture sections areadhesively joined.
 8. The bat of claim 5, wherein at least one of anouter surface of the juncture section of the handle member and an innersurface of the junction section of the striking member has a pluralityof projections which extend radially a predetermined distance.
 9. Thebat of claim 8, wherein the predetermined distance is in a range of0.001 to 0.010 inches.
 10. The bat of claim 8, wherein the outer surfaceof the juncture section of the handle member, the inner surface of thejuncture section of the striking member and the projections define atleast one space, and wherein an adhesive at least partially fills the atleast one space to join the handle and striking members.
 11. The bat ofclaim 8, wherein the predetermined distance is equal to the thickness ofa desired layer of an adhesive for joining the handle and strikingmembers.
 12. The bat of claim 8, wherein the predetermined distance isin a range of 0.002 to 0.005 inches.
 13. The bat of claim 8, wherein aprojection has a width in a range of 0.125 to 0.75 inch.
 14. The bat ofclaim 8, wherein a projection has a width in a range of 0.2 to 0.3 inch.15. The bat of claim 8, wherein said projections comprise elongate ribsextending substantially longitudinally of said bat.
 16. The bat of claim8, wherein said projections are helical.
 17. The bat of claim 8, whereinsaid projections are on said handle member and outer surfaces of saidprojections firmly contact the inner surface of said juncture section ofthe striking member.
 18. The bat of claim 1, wherein the striking memberis formed from a material selected from the group consisting of a metal,wood, a fiber composite material, and a non-metallic material.
 19. Thebat of claim 1, wherein the striking member is composed of metal havinga first specific gravity and the handle member is composed of compositematerial having a second specific gravity which is different from saidfirst specific gravity.
 20. The bat of claim 19, wherein the specificgravity of the handle member is less than the specific gravity of thestriking member.
 21. The bat of claim 1, wherein the handle member isformed from a material selected from the group consisting of a metal,wood, a fiber composite material, and a non-metallic material.
 22. Thebat of claim 21, wherein said composite comprises a fiber compositematerial.
 23. The bat of claim 22, wherein said fiber composite materialcomprises carbon fibers in an epoxy matrix.
 24. The bat of claim 22,wherein the fiber composite material comprises a chopped fiber slurry.25. The bat of claim 1, wherein the handle member is formed of a fibercomposite material comprising a plurality of tubular layers, whereineach layer comprises a matrix including structural fibers supported bythe matrix, and wherein the plurality of tubular layers includes fiberlayer configurations selected from the group consisting of a layer oflongitudinally extending fibers, a layer of circumferentially extendingfibers, a layer of helically extending fibers, a layer of braidedfibers, and combinations thereof.
 26. The bat of claim 1, wherein thestriking member is formed of a fiber composite material comprising aplurality of tubular layers, wherein each layer comprises a matrixincluding structural fibers supported by the matrix, and wherein theplurality of tubular layers includes fiber layer configurations selectedfrom the group consisting of a layer of longitudinally extending fibers,a layer of circumferentially extending fibers, a layer of helicallyextending fibers, a layer of braided fibers, and combinations thereof.27. The bat of claim 1, further comprising a weighted plug coupled tothe proximal end of the handle member.
 28. The bat of claim 27 whereinthe weighted plug weighs in the range of 0.5 to 7 ounces.
 29. The bat ofclaim 27 wherein the weighted plug weighs in the range of 2 to 5 ounces.30. The bat of claim 27 wherein the weighed plug has a length in therange of 1.0 to 4.0 inches.
 31. The bat of claim 1, which furthercomprises a second tubular member concentric with the striking region ofthe striking member.
 32. The bat of claim 31, wherein said strikingmember has a hollow circular cross section and said second tubularmember comprises an insert having a circular cross section positionedwithin the striking region of said striking member.
 33. The bat of claim32, wherein said distal end of said handle section is received in thejuncture section of said striking member and the second tubular memberhas an end facing said handle section which is spaced a distance fromsaid handle section.
 34. A bat comprising an elongate tubular strikingmember having a distal end, a proximal end, and a juncture sectionadjacent said proximal end, and an elongate tubular handle member of acomposite material having a distal end, a proximal end, and a juncturesection adjacent said distal end of the handle member, said juncturesections of said handle member and striking member being positionedcontiguous each other and firmly joined to provide a rigidinterconnection therebetween to permit substantially complete strikingenergy transfer between said handle member and said striking member. 35.The bat of claim 34, which has a longitudinal axis, said juncturesection of the striking member converges toward said axis on progressingtoward said proximal end of said striking member, and said handle memberjuncture section diverges from said axis on progressing toward saiddistal end, with said handle member juncture section having aconfiguration substantially complementary to the converging portion ofthe juncture section of the striking member and said juncture sectionsof said handle member and striking member rest in mating contact. 36.The bat of claim 35, wherein said juncture sections of said strikingmember and handle member are substantially frusto-conical, each having amajor diameter section and a minor diameter portion, with the majordiameter portion of the juncture section of the handle member beinggreater than a minor diameter portion of the juncture section of thestriking member.
 37. The bat of claim 34, wherein said striking memberhas a striking region of a first diameter, said handle member has agripping portion positioned toward its proximal end from its juncturesection, the gripping portion having a second diameter which is lessthan said first diameter, and said handle member extends through theproximal end of said striking member with said juncture section of saidhandle member captured in said juncture section of said striking member.38. The bat of claim 34, wherein an outer surface of said juncturesection of the handle member is disposed within the confines of an innersurface of the juncture section of the striking member and adhesivematerial is disposed between said inner and outer surfaces to join saidhandle and striking members.
 39. The bat of claim 34, wherein at leastone of an outer surface of the juncture section of the handle member andan inner surface of the junction section of the striking member has aplurality of projections which extend radially a predetermined distance.40. The bat of claim 39, wherein the predetermined distance is in arange of 0.001 to 0.010 inches.
 41. The bat of claim 39, wherein thepredetermined distance is in a range of 0.002 to 0.005 inches.
 42. Thebat of claim 34, wherein the outer surface of the juncture section ofthe handle member, the inner surface of the juncture section of thestriking member and the projections define at least one space, andwherein an adhesive at least partially fills the at least one space tojoin the handle and striking members.
 43. The bat of claim 39, whereinthe predetermined distance is equal to the thickness of a desired layerof an adhesive for joining the handle and striking members.
 44. The batof claim 34, wherein said composite comprises a fiber compositematerial.
 45. The bat of claim 34, wherein the striking member is formedfrom a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, wood, afiber composite material, and a non-metallic material.
 46. The bat ofclaim 44, wherein the fiber composite material comprises a chopped fiberslurry.
 47. The bat of claim 34, wherein the handle member is formed ofa fiber composite material comprising a plurality of tubular layers,wherein each layer comprises a matrix including structural fiberssupported by the matrix, and wherein the plurality of tubular layersincludes fiber layer configurations selected from the group consistingof a layer of longitudinally extending fibers, a layer ofcircumferentially extending fibers, a layer of helically extendingfibers, a layer of braided fibers, and combinations thereof.
 48. The batof claim 34, wherein the handle member comprises plural tubular layers,each layer comprising a matrix and structural fibers supported by thematrix, with at least one of the layers comprising fibers that extendsubstantially circumferentially and multiple layers comprising fibersthat extend substantially longitudinally, wherein the number oflongitudinal layers is greater than the number of circumferentiallayers.
 49. A bat comprising an elongate tubular striking member havinga distal end, a proximal end, and a juncture section adjacent saidproximal end, and an elongate tubular handle member having a distal end,a proximal end, and a juncture section adjacent said distal end of thehandle member, said juncture sections of said handle member and strikingmember being positioned contiguous each other and firmly joined togetherto provide a rigid interconnection therebetween to permit substantiallycomplete striking energy transfer between said handle member and saidstriking member, said striking member comprising material formed to haveappropriate strength in a given direction to successfully withstand theimpact of a batted object and said handle member comprising materialformed with appropriate configuration to produce selected resistance tobending along its longitudinal axis to produce desired bat swingcharacteristics.
 50. The bat of claim 49, wherein the handle membercomprises plural layers of fiber composite material, each layercomprising a matrix and structural fiber supported by the matrix, withthe majority of the fibers extending at an angle less than about 50°relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle member layers.
 51. Thebat of claim 49, wherein the striking member is formed of metal and thehandle member is formed of composite material.
 52. The bat of claim 49,wherein the handle member comprises plural layers of fiber compositematerial, with selected layers extending the full length of the handlemember, and other layers extending over only a selected portion of thelength of the handle member less than its full length.
 53. The bat ofclaim 52, wherein said selected layers less than the full length of thehandle member are placed at different positions along the length of thehandle member.
 54. The bat of claim 52, wherein selected layers areformed in a variety of shapes and are laid up in selected positionsalong the length of the handle member to produce selected strength andstiffness characteristics for the handle member.
 55. The bat of claim52, wherein the handle member comprises plural layers of fiber compositematerial, with selected ones of the layers being composed of fibermaterial different from fiber material in others of the selected layers.56. The bat of claim 55, wherein the selected layers are composed offibers chosen from a group including carbon fibers, boron, fiberglass,or metals.
 57. The bat of claim 49, which further comprises a weightedelement secured to the proximal end of said handle member.
 58. A methodfor constructing an elongate bat having a longitudinal axis comprisingthe steps of forming an elongate tubular striking member having acircular cross section with a proximal end, a distal end, a strikingregion therebetween, and a juncture section adjacent said proximal endconverging toward said axis on progressing toward said proximal end toform a mouth of a first diameter, forming an elongate handle member ofcomposite material having a circular cross section having a proximalend, distal end and juncture section adjacent said distal end whichdiverges from said axis on progressing toward said distal end to asecond diameter greater than said first diameter, assembling thestriking member and handle member by inserting the handle member intothe striking member with at least a portion of the outer surface of thejuncture section of the handle member engaging a portion of the innersurface of the juncture section of the striking member, and remainderportions of said handle member extending longitudinally from saidproximal end of the striking member, and joining the juncture section ofthe handle member to the juncture section of the striking member toprovide a rigid interconnection between the striking member and thehandle member.
 59. The method of claim 58, wherein in said joining stepadhesive is applied between said juncture sections and cured.
 60. Themethod of claim 58, wherein said striking member is formed of a materialhaving a first specific gravity and said handle member is formed of acomposite material having a second specific gravity different from saidfirst specific gravity.
 61. The method of claim 58, wherein thediverging portion of the juncture section of the handle member is formedin a configuration complementary to the converging portion of thejuncture section of the striking member.
 62. The method of claim 58,wherein the step of forming the handle member comprises positioningplural composite layers adjacent each other to form a tubular member,and curing said layers.
 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the step offorming the handle member comprises the steps of positioning pluralcomposite layers containing structural fibers therein adjacent eachother such that each layer is tubular, and orienting the layers suchthat the majority of the layers have fibers extending at an angle lessthan about 50° relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle member.64. The method of claim 62, wherein at least one molding member isimpressed against the outside of said tubular member during forming toproduce spaced apart projections on said juncture section of the handlemember with said projections extending outwardly from remainder portionsof said tubular member.
 65. The method of claim 64, wherein said moldingmember is removed following curing.
 66. The method of claim 64, whereinsaid projections are formed as elongate ribs extending substantiallylongitudinally of said handle member.
 67. The method of claim 64,wherein said ribs are positioned to engage the inner surface of saidjuncture section of the striking member when assembled.
 68. The methodof claim 64, wherein said molding member produces projections in a rangeof 0.002 to 0.005 inch in height.
 69. A method for constructing anelongate bat having a longitudinal axis comprising the steps of formingan elongate tubular striking member having a circular cross section witha proximal end, a distal end, a striking region therebetween and ajuncture section adjacent said proximal end, forming an elongate handlemember of composite material having a circular cross section having aproximal end, distal end and juncture section adjacent said distal end,wherein the step of forming the handle member comprises positioningplural composite layers adjacent each other to form a tubular member andcuring said layers, assembling the striking member and handle memberwith at least a portion of the outer surface of the juncture section ofthe handle member engaging a portion of the inner surface of thejuncture section of the striking member, and joining the juncturesection of the handle member to the juncture section of the strikingmember to provide a rigid interconnection therebetween.
 70. The methodof claim 69, wherein in the step of forming the handle member, selectednumbers and orientation of composite layers are applied.
 71. The methodof claim 70 wherein the handle member has a selected overall length,selected ones of said composite layers have a length substantially equalto said overall length, and others of said composite layers have alength shorter than said overall length.
 72. The method of claim 71wherein composite layers which are shorter than said overall length arepositioned at varying positions intermediate the proximal and distalends of said handle member.
 73. The method of claim 70 wherein thecomposite layers each comprise a matrix including structural fiberssupported by the matrix, and wherein the layers are selected from agroup of fiber layer configurations consisting of a layer oflongitudinally extending fibers, a layer of circumferentially extendingfibers, a layer of helically extending fibers, a layer of braidedfibers, and combinations thereof.
 74. A bat for striking a ball, the batcomprising: an elongate tubular striking member extending along alongitudinal axis and having a distal end, a proximal end, and a firstjuncture section adjacent the proximal end of the striking member, thestriking member being formed of a first material; and an elongatetubular handle member extending along the longitudinal axis and having adistal end, a proximal end and a second juncture section adjacent thedistal end of the handle member, the handle member coupled to thestriking member such that at least a portion of the first juncturesection firmly and directly contacts at least a portion of the secondjuncture section, the handle member having a resistance to bending alongthe longitudinal axis in the range of 200-1980 lbs/in a three-point bendstiffness test wherein the handle member is transversely supported in afirst direction by a pair of supports spaced apart a selected distance,with a first support adjacent the distal end and a second supportadjacent the proximal end, and is transversely loaded in a seconddirection, opposite the first direction, at a location on the handlemember in a region between 30% and 40% of said selected distance fromthe distal end of the handle member.
 75. The bat of claim 74 wherein thehandle member has a resistance to bending along the longitudinal axis inthe range of 400-900 lbs/in.
 76. The bat of claim 74 wherein the handlemember has a length in the range of 9 to 22 inches, and wherein thehandle member has a weight in the range of 3 to 8 ounces.
 77. The bat ofclaim 76, wherein the handle member has a weight in the range of 5 to 7ounces.
 78. The bat of claim 74, wherein the striking member is formedfrom a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, wood, aceramic, and a fiber composite material.
 79. The bat of claim 74,wherein the handle member is formed of a fiber composite materialcomprising a plurality of tubular layers, wherein each layer comprises amatrix including structural fibers supported by the matrix, and whereinthe plurality of tubular layers includes fiber layer configurationsselected from the group consisting a layer of longitudinally extendingfibers, a layer of circumferentially extending fibers, a layer ofhelically extending fibers, a layer of braided fibers, and combinationsthereof.
 80. The bat of claim 79 wherein the helically extending fibersof the at least one layer of helically extending fibers extend along thehandle member at an angle that is between +/−1 to 89 degrees from thelongitudinal axis.
 81. The bat of claim 79 wherein the handle memberincludes a proximal gripping portion and a distal tapered portion,wherein one of the proximal gripping portion and the distal taperedportion is formed with a larger number of layers than the remainingportion.
 82. The bat of claim 74, wherein the composite material of thehandle member comprises a chopped fiber slurry.
 83. The bat of claim 74,further comprising a weighted plug coupled to the distal end of thehandle member.
 84. The bat of claim 83 wherein the weighted plug weighsin the range of 2 to 5 ounces.
 85. The bat of claim 83 wherein theweighted plug has a length in the range of 1.0 to 4.0 inches.
 86. Thebat of claim 79 wherein the fibers are formed of a material selectedfrom the group consisting of glass, fiberglass, carbon, boron, metal andcombinations thereof.
 87. The bat of claim 79 wherein the fibers have anarea fiber density within the range of 0.0143 and 0.048 grams/cm². 88.The bat of claim 74, wherein the first material has a greater impactresistance to ball strikes than the composite material of the handlemember.
 89. The bat of claim 74, wherein at least one of an outersurface of the juncture section of the handle member and an innersurface of the junction section of the striking member has a pluralityof projections which extend radially a predetermined distance.
 90. A batfor striking a ball, the bat comprising: an elongate tubular strikingmember extending along a longitudinal axis and having a distal end, aproximal end, and a first juncture section adjacent the proximal end ofthe striking member, the striking member being formed of a firstmaterial; and an elongate tubular handle member extending along thelongitudinal axis and having a distal end, a proximal end and a secondjuncture section adjacent the distal end of the handle member, thehandle member coupled to the striking member such that at least aportion of the first juncture section firmly and directly contacts atleast a portion of the second juncture section; the bat having aresistance to bending along the longitudinal axis in the range of 500 to2500 lbs/in a three-point bend stiffness test wherein the bat istransversely supported in a first direction at a first location 6 inchesfrom the distal end of the striking member and at a second location 6inches from the proximal end of the handle member, and is transverselyloaded in a second direction, opposite the first direction, at a thirdlocation at mid-length position on the bat.
 91. The bat of claim 90wherein the bat has a resistance to bending along the longitudinal axisin the range of 500-1500 lbs/in.
 92. The bat of claim 90 wherein thehandle member has a length in the range of 9 to 22 inches, and whereinthe handle member has a weight in the range of 3 to 8 ounces.
 93. Thebat of claim 90, wherein the handle member has a weight in the range of5 to 7 ounces.
 94. The bat of claim 90, wherein the striking member isformed from a material selected from the group consisting of a metal,wood, a ceramic, and a fiber composite material.
 95. The bat of claim90, wherein the handle member is formed of a fiber composite materialcomprising a plurality of tubular layers, wherein each layer comprises amatrix including structural fibers supported by the matrix, and whereinthe plurality of tubular layers includes fiber layer configurationsselected from the group consisting a layer of longitudinally extendingfibers, a layer of circumferentially extending fibers, a layer ofhelically extending fibers, a layer of braided fibers, and combinationsthereof.
 96. The bat of claim 95 wherein the handle member includes aproximal gripping portion and a distal tapered portion, wherein one ofthe proximal gripping portion and the distal tapered portion is formedwith a larger number of layers than the remaining portion.
 97. The batof claim 90, wherein the composite material of the handle membercomprises a chopped fiber slurry.
 98. The bat of claim 90, furthercomprising a weighted plug coupled to the distal end of the handlemember.
 99. The bat of claim 98 wherein the weighted plug weighs in therange of 2 to 5 ounces.
 100. The bat of claim 98 wherein the weightedplug has a length in the range of 1.0 to 4.0 inches.
 101. The bat ofclaim 95 wherein the fibers have an area fiber density within the rangeof 0.0143 and 0.048 grams/cm².
 102. The bat of claim 90, wherein thefirst material has a greater impact resistance to ball strikes than thecomposite material of the handle member.
 103. The bat of claim 90,wherein at least one of an outer surface of the juncture section of thehandle member and an inner surface of the junction section of thestriking member has a plurality of projections which extend radially apredetermined distance.